*Official* Fifth Test at The Oval

[91Jmay]

Overhead conditions will dictate tomorrow. If there is cloud cover it will be extremely difficult, but if its sunny England should make runs. Root needs to get better at putting away those bad balls. He missed out on at least 4 easy boundaries tonight and it heaps more pressure on himself - especially against a quality bowling attack.

 

[CarlsbergXpress]

He's worked so hard to improve. This is a great reward. It's why he's the People's Champ. The Battler's Prince.

I must admit I was a sceptic, I am now converted.

 

[LegionOfBrad]

Overhead conditions will dictate tomorrow. If there is cloud cover it will be extremely difficult, but if its sunny England should make runs. Root needs to get better at putting away those bad balls. He missed out on at least 4 easy boundaries tonight and it heaps more pressure on himself - especially against a quality bowling attack.

Forecast is hot and sunny with maybe a bit of cloud later on. Followed by filth on Friday night through to Saturday.

And Root should be at 6.

 

[CarlsbergXpress]

Forecast is hot and sunny with maybe a bit of cloud later on. Followed by filth on Friday night through to Saturday.

Good day to skive off work at lunch and watch KP smash a ton I reckon, 'kin love Fridays!

 

[CarlsbergXpress]

Forecast is hot and sunny with maybe a bit of cloud later on. Followed by filth on Friday night through to Saturday.

Good day to skive off work at lunch and watch KP smash a ton I reckon, 'kin love Fridays!

 

[CarlsbergXpress]

Oops, smart phone my ar$e.

 

[CarlsbergXpress]

Perhaps a fifty then as 'he only turns up when it means something' blah blah.

 

[social]

I see England bowled 5 overs in half an hour today at a time when Swann was bowling.

Stay classy guys.

Plus 9 men on the fence at one stage

Second test this series where they have been playing for a draw from early doors

Can only hope that the weather doesn't save them this time as otherwise they will be encouraged to carry on with this ****

 

[fredfertang]

Plus 9 men on the fence at one stage

Second test this series where they have been playing for a draw from early doors

Can only hope that the weather doesn't save them this time as otherwise they will be encouraged to carry on with this ****

The negative tactics make me ashamed to be English

 

[Cooky Monster]

The negative tactics make me ashamed to be English

Its so frustrating, i really would consider binning Flower off after the next Ashes series, all this negativity originates from him, its gradually getting worse and worse and it horrible to watch, the England side are better than that, its a struggle to understand why it has gone this way.

This match has been 4th gear so far!

 

[CarlsbergXpress]

Its so frustrating, i really would consider binning Flower off after the next Ashes series

Bring back bumble!? Happy days those.

 

[Cabinet96]

Plus 9 men on the fence at one stage

Second test this series where they have been playing for a draw from early doors

Can only hope that the weather doesn't save them this time as otherwise they will be encouraged to carry on with this ****

Yes, attempting to delay the declaration is a clear sign they have no desire to win.

 

[morgieb]

Smitteh!

Good day for us, shouldn't lose from here, but could still easily draw. Need to bowl very well.

 

[91Jmay]

The main difference in England 2011 to this England (apart from quality) is the scoring rates. We used to put sides under real pressure with the bat, but now we don't. A large part of that is the opposition bowling much more effectively to our batsmen, however the mindset is also clearly not there for our players. I hate to say it, but there isn't much intent.

 

[CarlsbergXpress]

Not seen it mentioned but great post day interview, bit like Agar after the 90 odd. No 'I'm billy big bo**ox'. Was refreshing. Still love Joe Root though btw.

 

[CarlsbergXpress]

The main difference in England 2011 to this England (apart from quality) is the scoring rates. We used to put sides under real pressure with the bat, but now we don't. A large part of that is the opposition bowling much more effectively to our batsmen, however the mindset is also clearly not there for our players. I hate to say it, but there isn't much intent.

I can understand play the day out none down, but it will be interesting to see the game plan on a flat pitch on another good Oval batting day. I agree with previous poster that they will have to bowl well to get wickets. Didn't cook say himself 'need no incentive to win ashes tests'? I hope so, otherwise I'll be asleep on the sofa.

Edit - working from home

 

[Scaly piscine]

England back to batting as if they're in a coma then. No excuse not to score at a reasonable rate against Australia's bowling.

They do this negative ****e and they still waft away at wide deliveries every other over. Just bat ffs.

 

[CarlsbergXpress]

They do this negative ****e and they still waft away at wide deliveries every other over. Just bat ffs.

This wafting is only because of the default negativity. Just bat - if someone gets in.

Trouble is, who's playing for anything? Really, Joe knows he's in at number 6 even if he fails, Cook - got a knighthood coming, Trott/KP - meh, Bell? Hope Woakes does well on dayboo though.

 

[Jarquis]

Not sure if mentioned anywhere but Jackson Bird is flying home with a back injury

 

[Maximas]

Slow overate I heard, classic Cook bull****, would love for him to get banned at some point because of overate, England have been hopeless thus far (although day 1 was good)